With noteworthy Broncos players like quarterback Brock Osweiler and outside linebacker Von Miller also eligible for free agency this winter, defensive end Malik Jackson may be a little overlooked around the NFL as the new league year approaches. However, he’s a priority in Denver, with a weekend report suggesting that the team is “negotiating in earnest” in an effort to retain Jackson.
As those discussions continue, Jackson appeared on the NFL Network on Monday to discuss his contract situation and the Broncos’ outlook at quarterback. Via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post, who recapped the defensive lineman’s comments in a pair of stories, here are a few of the highlights from Jackson during that conversation:
On the possibility of testing the free agent market:
“In talking to my agent, I got a pretty good idea of what my worth is. But I would like to see — because you never know — just to see the numbers. But if Denver came with quality numbers close to what we feel I deserve, then I would stay.”
On staying with a contending team vs. seeking out the best possible contract offer:
“I think it’s 50-50. That’s what makes it so hard, because you want to get paid. That’s your dream, to get paid and take care of your family. But you still want to win, too.“
On the possibility of Osweiler returning as the Broncos’ starting quarterback:
“He’s definitely someone who’s proven. He’s been underpaid for four years, quietly waiting. When he got his chance to go, he really outperformed himself. I think with the defense they have in Denver, you could put Brock back there and he’ll definitely win some games with them.”
On Manning’s potential retirement:
“To be honest with you, I think throughout the whole year I think it’s kind of been hard, getting hurt and everything, I think you can kinda see it take a toll throughout the season. I think when he talked to the team going into the game Saturday night you could kind of feel like the way he was talking, he was getting a little emotional. I don’t know if that was his last speech before a team, but you could definitely tell maybe it was getting closer. He kind of felt an extra type of why about this game to really want to go out there and win.”